Natural products: camping essentials

By Véronique Cousineau; Naturopath, RHN

Camping season is in full swing. Make your packing session easier by having this list of essentials on hand to relieve any camper's aches and pains!

Lemon Eucalyptus Scientific studies have shown that the essential oil of lemon eucalyptus (eucalyptus citriodora) offers results comparable to those obtained by the most effective insecticides.

• Put a couple of drops on your hat and backpack to chase mosquitoes away naturally.
• When applied to the skin, 5 drops of essential oil diluted in 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil should be enough to thoroughly coat the body. Reapply every two hours for best results.

Lavender aspic For mosquito or bee bites, there's nothing better than applying two drops of lavender aspic essential oil (lavandula latifolia - L. spica). The itch will subside instantly, and you can repeat the application as needed. Lavender is also an excellent antibacterial, cleansing and healing agent.

Spike lavender also repels moths, ticks, fleas and other small insect invaders. Just sprinkle a few drops of lavender on your sleeping bag and pets, and you'll keep little visitors and unpleasant surprises at bay. 

C soapastille When camping, it's important to respect the ecosystems around us. However, it's hard to find products that don't harm the flora and fauna, and we often end up bringing several bulky products with us. Fortunately, with just one bottle of soap, you can put it to the following uses:

• Shampoo Pour a few drops into the palm of your hand and rub into the scalp;
• Body soap a few drops are enough to cleanse the entire body;
• Toothpaste Toothpaste: opt for the odorless version and you're done;
• Dish soap Add one part soap to 10 parts water;
• Fruit and vegetable cleaner by adding a teaspoon to a bowl of lukewarm water;
• Laundry detergent Pour 1/3 cup of Castile soap into a basin of water.

Aloe vera Aloe vera gel is the best-known remedy for sunburn. When applied regularly to burned skin, it promotes rapid healing. Its cooling action will also soothe an insect bite and prevent the spread of a poison ivy lesion.

Witch hazel : Witch hazel floral water is a versatile natural product with multiple uses and benefits. It can be sprayed under the armpits to replace deodorant. It can also be used to reduce the burns associated with sunburn, alternating with aloe vera. Poison ivy? No problem! Mix 15 drops of lavender essential oil with witch hazel floral water for rapid relief and healing. For best results, keep your bottle cold and apply regularly to desired areas.

Arnica Montana Arnica Montana: few camping weekends go off without a hitch. A fall here, a scrape there, not to mention bruises and sprains. Arnica Montana 200C is the perfect homeopathic emergency remedy for both small and large injuries. One dose can be taken every 15 minutes until symptoms improve. Thereafter, 3 granules are administered 3 times a day.

Coconut oil Coconut oil: coconut oil is very versatile and a camping essential for many reasons. Applying coconut oil relieves burns and dry skin, and is an excellent lip balm offering natural sun protection. It's also a great cooking oil and a great way to massage a sore muscle.

Coconut water Coconut water: packed with natural electrolytes, coconut water will hydrate you after long hours in the sun and prevent the discomforts associated with heatstroke. Bring several cartons, as it prevents dehydration.

Vitamin C If you suffer from seasonal or environmental allergies, carry a bottle of vitamin C with you and take 5g a day to limit allergic symptoms. The same dosage can be taken for 2 weeks after sunburn to limit ultraviolet damage.

Here's how to treat sunburn as quickly as possible, while minimizing skin damage:

• Apply Aloe vera gel immediately. Repeat three times a day for 5 days;
• Spray witch hazel floral water between applications of aloe vera gel to soothe burns;
• Coat skin with coconut oil before bedtime;
• Take 5,000 mg of vitamin C daily for 2 weeks.

About the author

Naturopaths of La Boite à Grains

Team of licensed and certified naturopaths (ND) in Gatineau, Outaouais.

Original article written by Véronique Cousineau, Naturopath